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How to Install CentOS 8 on VMWare Workstation

Published: June 20, 2021 (Updated: Jun 20, 2021)
#CentOS #VMware Workstation #Linux

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Hands-On: Installing CentOS 8 on VMware Workstation (The Ultimate Guide)

Hello tech enthusiasts, and welcome back to Darren’s Tech Tutorials!

If you’re looking to build a powerful virtual lab environment, knowing how to quickly spin up a solid Linux distribution is essential. Today, we’re diving into the process of installing CentOS 8 on VMware Workstation. This is a crucial skill for developers, system administrators, and anyone who needs a robust, enterprise-grade Linux setup without interfering with their main machine.

We’re going to walk through every step, from grabbing the necessary files to finishing the final configuration screens. Let’s get started and get your new CentOS environment running seamlessly!

Step 1: Gathering the Essentials (Downloading the CentOS 8 ISO)

Before we start building the virtual machine, we need the installation media. While the official channel for CentOS has evolved (now focusing on CentOS Stream), the installation principles for CentOS 8 remain valuable, especially if you are working with legacy environments.

Here is the essential first action:

  1. Locate the ISO: Navigate to the official CentOS mirrors or archived ISO location. You will be looking for the full CentOS 8 installer ISO file (usually labeled as something like CentOS-8-x86_64-dvd.iso).
  2. Download: Save this ISO file to an easily accessible location on your host machine (e.g., your Downloads folder or a dedicated ISO folder). This file serves as the virtual DVD drive for our new VM.

Step 2: Creating the Virtual Machine in VMware Workstation

VMware Workstation makes setting up a new virtual machine remarkably simple, but there are a few key settings we need to nail down before we boot up.

  1. Open VMware Workstation and click Create a New Virtual Machine.
  2. Choose Configuration Type: Select Typical (recommended) unless you have specific custom hardware requirements. Click Next.
  3. Installer Disc Image: Select the option Installer disc image file (iso): and browse to the CentOS 8 ISO you downloaded in Step 1.
  4. Guest Operating System: VMware often detects the OS automatically. Ensure the selection is Linux and the version is CentOS 8 64-bit. Click Next.
  5. Name and Location: Give your VM a memorable name (e.g., CentOS8_Server) and choose where you want the VM files saved.
  6. Disk Size: Allocate the necessary disk space. For a basic installation, 20GB is usually sufficient, but increase this depending on your planned usage. Select Store virtual disk as a single file (or multiple, depending on your preference for portability). Click Next.
  7. Customize Hardware (Optional but Recommended): Before hitting Finish, click Customize Hardware.
    • Memory: Increase the RAM allocation. For a smooth CentOS 8 graphical environment, we recommend 2GB (2048MB) or more.
    • Processors: Allocate at least 2 CPU cores for better performance.
    • Network Adapter: Ensure this is set to NAT or Bridged depending on your network needs. NAT is standard for basic internet access.
  8. Click Close, then click Finish to create the VM structure.

Step 3: Mounting the ISO and Starting the Installer

The hard part is over! Now we launch the VM and begin the actual operating system installation.

  1. Verify ISO Mounting: Double-check that your VM settings point to the correct ISO file under the CD/DVD settings.
  2. Power On: Click Power on this virtual machine in VMware Workstation.
  3. Boot Menu: You will be presented with a boot menu. Use the arrow keys to select Install CentOS Linux 8 (or the equivalent option if you want to skip the media test). Press Enter.
  4. The system will load the installer environment, and eventually, the CentOS graphical installation wizard (Anaconda) will appear.

Step 4: The Step-by-Step CentOS 8 Installation Process

The graphical installer is straightforward. Walk through these steps carefully:

A. Language and Localization

  1. Language Selection: Choose your preferred language. This will be used during the installation process and as the default language for the installed system. Click Continue.

B. Installation Summary Screen

The next screen is the Installation Summary, where you configure the system settings before hitting the install button. Look for the yellow exclamation points, which indicate required steps.

  1. Keyboard and Time & Date: Configure these based on your location.
  2. Installation Destination (Crucial Step):
    • Click on Installation Destination.
    • Ensure the VMware virtual hard disk you created (e.g., VMWare Virtual disk) is selected.
    • For beginners, select Automatic partitioning. If you are an advanced user, select Custom to create specific partitions (like /home, /var, etc.).
    • Click Done.
  3. Software Selection: This determines what components are installed.
    • For a traditional desktop environment, choose Server with GUI.
    • For a lean, command-line only system (ideal for servers), choose Minimal Install.
    • Click Done.
  4. Network & Host Name:
    • Click on Network & Host Name.
    • Toggle the switch in the top right to ON to enable the network adapter.
    • Set a specific Host Name (e.g., centos8-lab).
    • Click Done.

C. Begin Installation and User Setup

  1. Begin Installation: Once all required fields are set, click Begin Installation. The installation process will now start copying files.
  2. Root Password: While files are copying, you can set the crucial administrative accounts. Click on Root Password and set a strong password.
  3. User Creation: Click User Creation to set up a standard, non-root user account for everyday use.
  4. Wait for Completion: Installation time varies based on your host hardware, but usually takes 10 to 20 minutes.
  5. Reboot: Once the installation finishes, the button will change to Reboot System. Click it.

Important Note: After the system reboots, VMware Workstation will automatically eject the virtual ISO, allowing the VM to boot from the newly installed virtual hard disk.

Conclusion: Power Up Your New Linux Environment!

And just like that, you have a fully functional CentOS 8 installation running inside VMware Workstation! Whether you chose the Minimal Install for a robust command-line server or the Server with GUI for a fully featured desktop experience, you are now ready to start exploring the power of enterprise Linux.

This environment is perfect for testing configurations, running development stacks, or just leveling up your Linux skills.

If this guide helped you set up your new VM smoothly, give this article a share! Don’t forget to like this post and subscribe to Darren’s Tech Tutorials on YouTube for more clear, actionable guides like this one. If you have any questions during your installation process, drop a comment below—I’m always happy to help!

Happy experimenting!